Pope Leo XIV Cleared for South America Tour After Lung Cancer Surgery
- Pope Leo XIV has received medical clearance to proceed with a grueling 12-day apostolic journey to South America next month, just weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a...
- The upcoming voyage involves traversing 10 cities and boarding 14 flights while maintaining a packed schedule of public appearances and religious ceremonies.
- 13, 2026, successfully removing the lower lobe of his right lung after discovering the cancer during a routine abdominal examination.
Pope Leo XIV has received medical clearance to proceed with a grueling 12-day apostolic journey to South America next month, just weeks after undergoing surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his lung, cbsnews.com reported. The Vatican confirmed on Oct. 26, 2026, that clinical evaluations revealed no contraindications preventing the 71-year-old pontiff from visiting Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru between Nov. 6 and Nov. 17.
The upcoming voyage involves traversing 10 cities and boarding 14 flights while maintaining a packed schedule of public appearances and religious ceremonies. yahoo.com reported that doctors confirmed the localized lung adenocarcinoma had not spread and that no further oncological treatment is necessary. The Vatican stated that the journey will proceed according to previously published itineraries, keeping stops such as Peru’s high-altitude city of Cuzco firmly on the calendar despite the thinner air.
Medical Clearance Follows Lung Tumor Surgery
Medical teams operated on Pope Leo XIV on Oct. 13, 2026, successfully removing the lower lobe of his right lung after discovering the cancer during a routine abdominal examination. He was discharged from the hospital on Oct. 17, 2026, and has since returned to the Vatican to gradually resume general audiences and meetings with visiting church leaders. Doubts about the South American itinerary surfaced recently when physicians advised the pontiff to cancel a helicopter trip to an international peace gathering in Assisi due to unpressurized air risks.
South American Tour Carries Personal Meaning for First American Pope
The November journey holds deep personal significance for the pontiff, who spent over two decades working in Peru as a missionary and bishop before becoming the first American-born pope. yahoo.com reported that his visit is being eagerly awaited in Peru as part of the broader three-nation tour across the continent. The Vatican released a statement detailing the pope’s personal connection to the region and his resolve to carry out the rigorous schedule.
I am looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life.
Pope Leo XIV